5 July, 2026

Silence is golden aboard new electric ferry

The Devonport-Auckland ferry run entered a new era last week with the first public electric ferry trip from the city. Rob Drent was on board.

Happy commuter… Dietmar Londer braves the top deck on his first ride aboard AT’s new electric-hybrid ferry

It must have been the most low-key public launch of a ferry service in history.
I’d been badgering Fullers for weeks to get on the first electric-hybrid sailing, and only got notification just before 2pm of the first public sailing of Waitematā 1 from downtown Auckland to Devonport at 4.40pm.
After months of testing, AT had given Fullers the go-ahead ahead to push the start button, I was keen to record the occasion.
Having crossecd to the city on a diesel vessel, I walked onto the new boat and immediately bumped into an old university friend, Jill Shearer-Rowe.
We chatted about grandchildren, friendships from 45 years ago, jobs and future plans, at the same time enjoying the quietness, and smoothness of the journey.
It was a foul, cold and blustery early winter’s day – not one for enjoying the harbour views from the top deck.
Fullers captain Braedan Acarapi almost casually announced a welcome to Waitematā 1’s “first-ever sailing” then went into standard safety warnings and a weather update. The project team was also onboard.
The journey went uneventfully and quickly as Jill and I caught up while gazing out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, which are sure to be a hit with tourists.Other passengers also seemed to enjoy the experience.
The new ferry has some advantages, but is enough like the conventional vessels that nothing felt unfamiliar. It was like meeting up with an old friend – which I had.

• Ninety passengers travelled on the first sailing to Devonport and 39 on the return journey. It has capacity for 300.

Day one… (clockwise from top left)the first electric-hybrid ferry at Devonport before its return journey

Fullers staff member Karen Hunt welcomes the first passengers on board

The cycle racks offered indoors, in the centre of the main deck.

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First impressions

• So much quieter than diesel ferries – more like being on a yacht than a launch.
• Is there enough space for Devonport’s ever-expanding population of cycle and scooter comuters?
• A prediction: the ability to see inside the captain’s bridge from the top deck will become an instant kids’ attraction.